When the summer ended in 2017, Albion fans were less than excited about the club’s seventh consecutive season in the Premier League.

34 goals in a 38 game seasons struggled to set hearts-a-racing.

9 months has passed and Albion have been above and beyond, one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Premier League. A change in fortunes was beckoned in with Chinese owners, but, has Tony Pulis really changed that much?

Always maligned by Baggies fans in the early 00’s as an archaic throwback, Tony Pulis has won round Albion fans on a pinhead, quicker than you can say ‘Is that Craig Gardner warming up?’

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A prudency in the transfer market has seen the additions of Alan Nyom, Matt Phillips and Nacer Chadli improving defensive work rate, fitness and cutting edge that seriously lacked last year.

Has the tail end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017 seen Tony Pulis’ reputation precede him?

Teams like West Ham, Watford and Burnley come to the Hawthorns and set a high line, only to be quickly broken down with Rondon down the centre of the park, with Phillips and Chadli supporting on the flanks.

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The removal of Olsson and the solid spine of the team has seen the ball kept on the floor, meaning Albion (although sloppy in possession at times)move the ball quicker, sharper and more incisively.

Return of Albion’s 300 club members has also seen an upturn in form, being both versatile and tireless in their efforts, sitting deep when required to soak up pressure, but bombing on when defensive fragilities come to a head in the opposition back line.

A man who is often defined as ‘stubborn’ and ‘unsexy’, Albion have played some brilliant passing football this year and, what can only be defined as, ‘old fashioned wing play.’

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The big test comes now, as it has to Ranieri’s Leicester. Will those around us, Southampton and Everton, quickly figure out how Albion will set up? It’s quite possible with a squad so thin at this moment in time.

Pulis must now aim to alter his tactics when performing against the top six. Chelsea’s demolishing of Arsenal proves that even the best league battlers can be undone by quality counter attacking football.

Albion are now on course to record their best league finish. Pulis deserves plaudits and I, as someone who was calling for his head a mere six months ago, will certainly be the first to give them.